As part of WEEI.com’s coverage of the 2012 NBA draft, we are profiling all players considered likely candidates to be drafted June 28. The Celtics own three picks: 21, 22 (from the Thunder in the Kendrick Perkins trade) and 51.

What he brings: Machado is a pure point guard with very good passing ability and court awareness. He has good decision-making ability and has improved his jump shot enough to be considered a backup point guard option at the NBA level.

Machado does not have the ideal size for an NBA point guard and is not quick enough to be a reliable perimeter defender against pro talent. He is a compact 6-foot-2 and does not have the length to make up for his lack of lateral quickness.

Machado is not likely to be a starting NBA point guard, but he could serve as a solid bench option at the pro level.

Where the Celtics could get him: Machado is projected as a late second-round pick if he is selected at all, so the Celtics have options should they be looking for a backup for Rajon Rondo.

Notes: Machado led all of Division 1 last season with 281 total assists (9.9 per game). He is the all-time leader in Iona and MAAC history with 880 career assists. ‘¦ If Machado is drafted, he will be the first player from Iona selected since Sean Green went to the Pacers in the second round in 1991.